Madan Lal Dhingra: A Forgotten Martyr
Madan Lal Dhingra was perhaps the first Indian freedom fighter to be executed on British soil. He studied for a Diploma in Civil Engineering at the University College, London, but quickly became involved in India’s freedom struggle.
He was influenced by Shyamji Krishan Verma and Veer Savarkar. It was Veer Savarkar who influenced Dhingra to shoot Curzon Wyle, who was notorious for using Indians to serve as spies in England. The pistol for this purpose was provided by Savarkar to Dhingra, who shot Wyle dead in June 1909. Madan Lal Dhingra was disowned for his activities by his father who published his decision in newspaper ads.
Dhingra represented himself in his trial. He said that he did not recognize the legitimacy of court to try him. The trial was actually a sham and got over in only one day. He was awarded the death sentence. Dhingra was executed on August 17, 1909 at the age of 26 years.
The authorities refused to hand over the body to Veer Savarkar. His body was denied any Hindu rites after his execution and was buried by British government.
He was an inspiration at the time for leaders like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad. His coffin was accidentally found when the authorities were searching for remains of Shaheed Udham Singh. His remains were repatriated to India in 1976.
Madan Lal Dhingra was a symbol of the youth of his time who was strongly opposed to the oppressive measures adopted by the British ruling India with an iron hand.
Today on his Martyrdom Day we salute him as one of those fearless young revolutionaries who jumped into the fight for freedom without ever looking back at life, family and parents.
